Moving from Chicago to San Francisco isn't just a change of scenery — it's a major lifestyle shift. Chicagoans relocating to the Bay Area need to be prepared to trade snowy Midwestern winters for foggy Pacific coast mornings, deep-dish pizza for Dungeness crab, and modest Midwestern price tags for some of the nation's highest housing costs—among other changes.
This guide explores moving from Chicago to San Francisco from every angle, including the cost of living in San Francisco vs. Chicago, what to expect when you arrive in the Bay Area, how much a cross-country move costs, and your best moving options. Whether you're drawn to the tech boom, California's mild climate, or new career opportunities, understanding the differences will help you decide if the West Coast is right for you.
Moving From Chicago to San Francisco: How Do They Compare?
Before you load a moving truck, it helps to know how life in the Bay Area stacks up against the Windy City. The table below compares key statistics:
Chicago | San Francisco | |
Population (2025) | Approximately 2.7 million residents | About 827,000 residents |
Median age | 35.7 years | 38.2 years |
Climate |
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Cost of living (relative)* | 105.7 overall, 97.2 groceries, 99.8 housing | 245.5 overall, 116.6 groceries, 504.4 housing |
Median home price | Around $380,000 for an existing single-family home. | Approximately $1.5 million for a median existing single-family home in the San Francisco metro area. |
Average rent (2025) | Average monthly rent of $1,950 for all units | Average monthly rent of about $3,600 |
*Cost of Living Index (U.S. average = 100). Scores above 100 indicate higher costs; scores below 100 indicate lower costs.
Chicago and San Francisco both offer a vibrant culture and access to world-class dining, sports, and arts. But they feel markedly different.
Home to almost three million people, Chicago provides world-class urban amenities at heartland prices, with the Willis Tower defining its skyline, and neighborhoods stretching from Lake Michigan's sandy shores to Lincoln Park's charming residential streets.
San Francisco offers a different appeal: gentle Mediterranean weather, iconic rolling topography, and spectacular water views, balanced against some of America's steepest housing costs and challenging commutes.
Chicago transplants heading west usually seek Silicon Valley opportunities and Pacific Coast living. The trade-offs include leaving behind Chicago's budget-friendly lifestyle, its remarkable architectural diversity spanning centuries, and the achievable dream of buying a decent-sized home.
San Francisco's housing prices — which are triple those of Chicago — will mean accepting compact living quarters as the new normal. However, this city’s temperate climate, world-renowned food scene, and proximity to wine country offer alluring perks.
Cost of Living in Chicago vs. San Francisco
The biggest shock when moving from Chicago to San Francisco is the cost of living. According to Living Cost Index data, San Francisco's overall cost of living (including rent) is 40.5% higher than Chicago's. Even without rent, it's still 13.2% higher. Below is a breakdown of major cost categories:
State income and property taxes vary significantly
Income taxes: Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax rate, while California uses a progressive system with nine brackets ranging from 1% to 12.3%, plus a 1% surcharge on incomes over $1 million. High earners in San Francisco therefore pay significantly more state tax.
Property taxes: Illinois families pay some of the nation's highest property taxes, shelling out about 2.07% of a home's value — more than double the national average. California property taxes are lower on average because Proposition 13 caps rates; the statewide average is about 0.68% of a home's assessed value.
Housing costs in San Francisco dwarf Chicago’s
Housing is where the gap widens most dramatically between the two cities. Chicago's median existing home price (around $380,000) is affordable compared with San Francisco's $1.5 million. Renters feel a similar squeeze: an apartment in Chicago averages about $1,953 per month, while in San Francisco that figure exceeds $3,600.
Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs vary, too
Utilities: Living Cost Index data shows monthly electricity bills run roughly $85 in Chicago versus $95 in San Francisco. Water costs, however, are lower in the Bay Area ($35 versus $55). Internet and cable packages are slightly higher on the West Coast.
Groceries: Food and groceries cost about 23.8% more in San Francisco. A typical food budget of $525 per month in Chicago jumps to around $650 in San Francisco.
Gas and transportation: Gasoline prices are among the highest in the country on the West Coast. In 2025 the average price of a gallon of regular gas in California was $4.63, while in Illinois it averaged $3.29. Transportation costs are actually 15% lower in San Francisco thanks to robust public transit, but car ownership and commuting remain expensive due to gas and parking.
Is $100,000 a good salary in San Francisco?
The short answer: Not really. SmartAsset's 2025 study found that the value of a $100,000 salary after federal taxes and cost-of-living adjustments is worth only about $42,128 in San Francisco. The study ranks the city third among places where $100,000 gets you the least. (It also notes that the same salary would have roughly $30,362 in spending power in Manhattan.) SmartAsset's analysis underscores how high housing costs and taxes shrink take-home pay. While a six-figure income is comfortable in Chicago or many parts of the Midwest, in San Francisco it often supports only a modest lifestyle.
Chicago vs. San Francisco: Other Considerations
Relocating isn't only about numbers. Lifestyle factors such as weather, culture, job opportunities, and living space influence whether the move makes sense for you.
The Bay Area's mild climate contrasts with Chicago's four seasons
Chicago experiences humid summers and frigid, snowy winters. Average highs range from the low 30s°F in January to the low 80s°F in July, and the city sees a few inches of snow each winter.
San Francisco enjoys a Mediterranean climate with temperatures around 57°F in mid-winter and 72°F in September. Rainfall is concentrated in winter while summers are dry, and snow is virtually nonexistent.
If you dislike shoveling snow, you'll appreciate the Bay Area's year-round mildness — but you may miss midwestern summers on the lake.
The job market and economy are strong in both cities
Chicago's economy is broad and diversified. A 2022 Chicago Tech Effect report found the city's tech ecosystem employed over 106,000 people (8% of the workforce) and grew 18% over the previous decade.
Tech jobs pay a median wage about 1.5 times higher than Chicago's overall average, and the region's universities and central location attract strong talent. In addition to technology, Chicago remains a hub for finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
San Francisco, by contrast, is synonymous with technology. The Bay Area hosts the headquarters of many of the world's largest AI and tech firms — Google, OpenAI, Meta, and Anthropic — and it’s at the vanguard of AI scholarship and policymaking.
A recent survey shows that San Francisco Bay Area employees are the most likely to say they expect to be using AI at work more in the future. That reliance on emerging technology reflects the region’s broader tech concentration, which drives high salaries (especially in engineering and data science) but also makes the local economy sensitive to the tech sector's booms and busts. Professionals in finance, healthcare, or manufacturing might find more diverse opportunities and lower housing costs in Chicago.
Chicago offers larger average home sizes and living spaces
Space is another lifestyle consideration. Due to Chicago's lower housing costs, the average renter or homeowner there generally enjoys larger floor plans than in San Francisco. Many Chicago apartments include multiple bedrooms and on-site parking, whereas small apartments, shared houses, and limited parking are the norm in San Francisco. Families or those who desire a yard may find the space constraints challenging.
Things to do and outdoor opportunities abound in both cities
Both cities offer plenty of entertainment. Chicago is known for its lakefront festivals, museums, and sports, while San Francisco residents spend weekends hiking coastal trails, cycling through Golden Gate Park, or taking quick trips to Napa Valley.
If you enjoy year-round outdoor activities, the Bay Area's climate makes it easier to be outside in February, but Chicago's seasonal changes bring their own charm — think autumn in Lincoln Park or winter ice skating at Millennium Park.
The Cost of Moving From Chicago to San Francisco
Moving nearly 2,200 miles across the country isn't cheap. Expect to pay big bucks for full-service movers when moving from Chicago to San Francisco. Your estimate will vary based on the volume of your belongings, the timing of your move, and whether you require packing or storage services. DIY moves using a rental truck may cost less upfront, but factor in fuel, lodging, food, and the physical toll of driving across multiple states. Depending on how much you’re moving, the timing of your move, and other factors, you can expect to pay $5,500-$6,500 to move an average 2-bedroom home from Chicago to San Francisco.
The best way to find out how much your specific move will cost is to obtain quotes from reputable long-distance moving companies and compare costs. Summer moves tend to be pricier, so consider moving in winter or early spring to save on relocation costs. Also consider purchasing moving insurance to protect high-value items during transit.
Chicago to San Francisco Moving Options
You have two main options when planning a long-distance move: DIY with a rental truck or hiring full-service movers. Each has pros and cons. Whichever option you choose, a detailed moving checklist can help you stay organized.
DIY with a rental truck
If you have few belongings and plenty of time, renting a truck can save money. But you'll be responsible for packing, loading, driving 2,200 miles, and unloading at your new home.
You’ll also have to factor in fuel costs (keeping in mind that gas prices are higher in California), lodging, tolls, and the stress of navigating mountain passes and big-city traffic. DIY is generally best for those comfortable driving a large vehicle.
Hiring professional movers
A full-service mover takes care of your move for you — loading, transport, and unloading. They can also add packing, unpacking, storage, and other services as well. Professionals bring the right moving equipment and know how to handle fragile items to avoid breakage during transport.
For cross-country relocations, the convenience and reduced stress often outweigh the higher cost.
Wrapping Up Your Move
Relocating from the Midwest to the West Coast is a big decision. Doing your homework on housing costs, taxes, and lifestyle differences will make the transition smoother. If you're ready to experience the Golden City's foggy mornings, vibrant neighborhoods, and endless career possibilities, it might be time to start planning.
Once you're ready to start living in San Francisco, our team is ready to help. As interstate movers with extensive experience, Colonial Van Lines knows how to handle your cross-country move. Our professional crews handle loading, transportation, and unloading — plus any other moving logistics — to ensure your belongings arrive safely at your new home.
To learn more, read about moving to California on our blog. Ready to get started? Get a free moving quote today and let the experts take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on enjoying your new adventure in California.